Media centre

Thursday 8 Oct 2015

Timelapse and pictures: New bridge installed at Port Talbot Parkway station

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Passengers and the community of Port Talbot have been thanked for their patience after Network Rail completed its work to install a new bridge over two weekends.

The striking new enclosed footbridge is part of a transformation of Port Talbot Parkway station, which will give the increasing number of passengers using the railway more room and a better travelling experience.

The bridge will house a new ticket office, waiting areas, customer facilities, information points and CCTV equipment, as well as steps and lift access to all platforms. The bridge will also help join communities in the town together by providing better step-free access to the public across Port Talbot.

The steelwork in the new bridge weighs 400 tonnes - the same weight as 58 African elephants.

The bridge was temporarily closed over two weekends in order to carry out the work safely. One of the largest cranes in the country was located on the road and used to lift sections of the bridge into place.

The work was scheduled to take place over the weekend to cause the minimum amount of disruption to passengers and the local community.  

Nia Watkins, project manager for Network Rail Wales, said: “Revitalising Port Talbot Parkway gives the community a station they can be proud of and also acts as a catalyst for further regeneration in the area, helping to boost the economy locally in the long term.

 “The new bridge will provide an accessible route for everyone from the station entrance right through to the platforms and provides better facilities for the increasing number of passengers using the railway in Wales.

“I’d like to thank passengers and local residents for their patience while we carry out this enhancement work, which will create lasting improvements as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.”

Some amenities at the station have already been improved, including an updated waiting room and new toilets with baby changing facilities and disabled access. A new information hub gives passengers easy access to a dedicated customer information office where staff can offer assistance.  

There will also be a 111-space car park with a park and ride for commuters and better facilities for cyclists, bus passengers and taxis.

The £11.4m regeneration project at Port Talbot Parkway station is being carried out as part of the Wales Station Improvement Scheme. The work is being funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Welsh Government, Department for Transport, Network Rail, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council and Arriva Trains Wales. 

Members of the public who have any questions about the project should call Network Rail’s 24-Hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or email CRWales@networkrail.co.uk.